A. CONTEXT

In February 2006, the University of Texas San Antonio engaged Carr Sports Associates Inc. to study the feasibility of sponsoring Intercollegiate Football. While football is expected to assist in elevating UTSA Athletics to the upper level of NCAA Division I, there are programmatic implications for the University, UTSA Athletics and the greater San Antonio community.

B. PURPOSE

UTSA's President, Dr. Ricardo Romo, commissioned Carr Sports Associates, Inc. (CSA) to determine the feasibility of intercollegiate football at UTSA. This Study, Considerations for NCAA Division I-AA/I-A Football, is an integral component of UTSA Athletics Vision 2010.

Intended Outcomes
Primary Intended Outcomes of this Study include the following:

• Delineate NCAA Division I-AA and I-A membership requirements including a quantitative analysis of UTSA's current position.


• Identify specific costs, revenues and facilities associated with implementing and maintaining a successful Division I-A and I-AA football program.


• Outline gender equity issues to remain in compliance with Title IX requirements.


• Include strategic steps and timeline for implementing a Division I-AA football program, and the possibility of moving expeditiously to Division I-A.


• Assess ability to attract high-potential coaches and student-athletes, and schedule opponents that appeal to South Texas football fans.


• Identify additional institutional, academic and athletic support systems required to maintain a successful all-around athletics program that includes football.


• Identify NCAA requirements and possible conference affiliations.


• Make recommendations for meeting basic NCAA Division I-AA and Division I-A best practices.


• Make recommendations to add Intercollegiate Football or to remain in NCAA Division I-AAA.

C. PROCESS

This Study, including the Title IX review, included interviews with selected UTSA University administrators, Athletics Department staff, coaches and student-athletes as well as UTSA external constituents.

The Consultants examined University, UTSA Athletics and NCAA materials along with documents from selected Division I-AA and Division I-A conferences and institutions. An evaluation of present and proposed campus facilities along with the Alamodome were also critical components of this process.

D. STUDY TIMELINE

1. February 14-17, 2006, CSA Consultants conducted the first campus visit. The Consultants interviewed selected University and Athletics administrators along with Athletics department heads, head coaches and student-athletes.


2. March 5-9, 2006, CSA Consultants conducted a second campus visit to review University and Athletics infrastructure, external revenues, Study drafts along with interviewing selected external constituents.


3. April 21, 2006, CSA forwarded selected foundational Study drafts (Draft Materials #1) to UTSA for review and editing.


4. May 22, 2006, CSA forwarded Study drafts (Draft Materials #2) to UTSA for review and editing.


5. June 14, 2006, CSA sent the preliminary Study Draft to UTSA for review and editing.


6. July - September, 2006, CSA and UTSA exchanged drafts of the Study.


7. October 18, 2006, CSA forwarded the Final Study to UTSA.

E. STUDY FORMAT

The Study is arranged as follows:

Executive Summary

I. Introduction
II. Study Assumptions
III. Policy Issues
IV. NCAA Legislation For Division I-AA/I-A Football
V. Implementation Issues
VI. Personnel and Organizational Design
VII. Title IX Compliance
V. Fiscal Issues
IX. External Revenue Issues
X.     Facilities
XI.   Support Systems Analysis
I.  Comprehensive Conclusions and Recommendations

Exhibits 1-4